Burger King 'McRib' Challenges a McDonald's Summer Favorite

Burger King is rolling out its summer menu this week, which will be headlined by the BK Rib Sandwich, seen by many as a rival to McDonald's McRib.

Almost a carbon copy of the sandwich that has been a McDonald's seasonal staple for 32 years, the BK Rib Sandwich features boneless ribs, a tangy sauce, and sweet pickles. Burger King says the creation of its new rib sandwich was driven by consumer demand and commodity prices.

The BK Rib was tested in Shreveport, La., and sold "extremely well," Hirschhorn said. The recommended price, which will vary by market, is $3.49 a la carte and $5.59 as a meal — with fries and soft drink.

"That McDonald's has been bringing back McRib for 32 years tells you it's popular and important," Scott Hume, editor of the blog BurgerBusiness, told USA Today. "I think McRib has such loyal fans that no one else's rib sandwich will hurt it, even if Burger King's is really good."